Frequency hopping sequence generation

ABSTRACT

Techniques for frequency-hopping sequence-generation are described herein. In one example, a sequence of pseudo random numbers may be used to generate a scrambling sequence. The scrambling sequence may be used to map an unscrambled sequence of channels into a scrambled sequence of channels. Channel-repeats may be detected in the scrambled sequence of channels and resolved. Channel whitening may be performed to reduce channel overuse resulting from the channel-repeat resolutions. The scrambled sequence of channels may be provided to a radio to enable the radio to tune to the channels indicated by the scrambled sequence of channels.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/990,006, titled “Frequency Hopping SequenceGeneration”, filed on 07 May 2014, commonly assigned herewith, andhereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Frequency hopping (channel hopping) may be used in radio frequency (RF)communications to mitigate interference and to increase reliability.Additionally, regulations may require use of such spread spectrumtechniques in some conditions. Despite these advantages, differences inthe spectrum and number of channels available at different locations mayprevent reuse of existing designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Thesame numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like featuresand components. Moreover, the figures are intended to illustrate generalconcepts, and not to indicate required and/or necessary elements.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example network, and showing detailof a node configured for frequency hopping according to a hoppingsequence generator utilizing techniques discussed herein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between timeslots and ahopping sequence.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example scrambling process, by whichavailable channels are scrambled for use in a hopping sequence.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of how a Galois field may be usedto create a periodic pseudo-random channel sequence.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example relationship between a scramblingsequence, an unscrambled sequence of channels and a scrambled sequenceof channels.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a channel-repeat in a hoppingsequence of channels.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing example replacement of a channel, therebyresolving the channel-repeat.

FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are timeslot charts showing aspects of achannel-repeat detection and resolution algorithm.

FIG. 11 is a timeslot chart showing a channel-repeat involving threeconsecutive timeslots.

FIG. 12 is a timeslot chart showing aspects of a further example of achannel-repeat detection algorithm, wherein adjacent timeslots using thesame channel or a channel different by one channel are considered achannel-repeat.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are diagrams supporting a discussion of channelwhitening, which may be used to “whiten” RF spectrum after applicationof a channel-repeat detection and resolution algorithm.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example hopping sequence calculation.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a channel-repeat detectionand resolution algorithm.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing example techniques for hopping sequencegeneration.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing example techniques for channel-repeatdetection and resolution.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing example techniques for channel whitening.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing example techniques for utilization ofcircadian cycles.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are flowcharts showing example techniques forcreating and utilizing quasi-orthogonal channel hopping sequences.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Frequency-hopping is a method of transmitting radio signals by rapidlyswitching a carrier signal among many frequencies or channels, therebytransmitting over a spread spectrum. In some instances, sequence offrequencies or channels may be determined in a pseudorandom manner.Generally, the sequence and timing are known to both a transmitter and areceiver to allow continued communication after frequency hops.Frequency hopping helps to reject interference(s) that may be present inan area of (radio frequency) RF spectrum, and also may be mandated byregulations to prevent continuous occupation of a particular frequency.Frequency hopping may be utilized in many different types of networks,including communication networks, control systems, advance metering(e.g., utility metering) infrastructures (AMI), and others.

In one example, a sequence of pseudo random numbers may be used togenerate a scrambling sequence. The scrambling sequence may be used tomap an unscrambled sequence of channels into a scrambled sequence ofchannels. Channel-repeats may be detected in the scrambled sequence ofchannels and resolved. Channel whitening may be performed to reducechannel overuse, which may result from the channel-repeat resolutions. Aradio may be operated according to spread spectrum frequency hoppingtechniques using channels indicated by the scrambled sequence ofchannels.

Example System and Techniques

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example network 100, which may beconfigured as a communications network, a control system network, asmart grid or advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) of a utilitynetwork, etc. Central office(s) 102 may communicate with one or morenetworks 104, which may include the Internet, cellular network, etc. Aplurality of nodes 106-114 may be associated with electrical meters,transformers, water meters, gas meters, or other devices on any type ofnetwork or AMI. The nodes may communicate with each other using RFcommunication, and may be configured as a mesh network in which messagesare passed from node to node, a star network with a central hub, or acombination or hybrid network.

An example node 112 may include a radio 116, which may be configured totransmit and/or receive. In the example shown, the radio 116 is atransceiver, configured to communicate with both upstream (toward a rootnode or edge device) and downstream (toward a child or leaf node) nodes,including the transmission of packets to/from nodes 110 and 114. Theradio 116 may be configured for frequency hopping over a spread spectrumof channels.

A clock 118 provides time-of-day and/or time-measurement to variousdevices on the node 112, and may provide information to the radio 116 tosupport channel hopping. A processing unit 120 may include one or moreprocessors 122 and memory 124. In other examples, the processing unit120 may be implemented as one or more other hardware circuits (e.g., anASIC, an FPGA, etc.).

A hopping sequence generator 126 may be located in memory 124 andexecuted by the processing unit 120. Alternatively, the hopping sequencegenerator 126 may be configured as a dedicated hardware or hybridhardware/software device. In one example, the hopping sequence generator126 is configured to utilize an unscrambled sequence of channels 128that are available to the network 100. The unscrambled sequence ofchannels 128 may be a list of channels, 0 through N-1 , that areavailable to, and used by, nodes on the network 100. The unscrambledsequence of channels 128 may be include the channels 0 through N−1repeated a number of times. The number of repetitions may depend atleast in part on the number of channels available, a length of time eachchannel is used (i.e., the length of the timeslot used), and if a24-hour supply of scrambled channels is desired. The channels 0 throughN−1 may correspond to a portion of the RF spectrum that is leased orpublic domain, or otherwise available and used by the nodes in thenetwork 100. The hopping sequence generator 126 may utilize a scramblingsequence 130, which may have been derived from pseudo random numbers(e.g., as provided by a Galois field). The scrambling sequence 130 maybe used to map and/or scramble the unscrambled sequence of channels 128into a scrambled sequence of channels 132. Also, the scrambling sequence130 may include a repetition of a sequence of pseudo random elementsprovided by the Galois field. The number of repetitions used within eachsequence 128, 130, may be selected to result in a scrambled sequence ofchannels for association with a number of timeslots required for a24-hour (or other length) period.

In one example, 36 channels may be available and a Galois field may beselected to provide 240 random numbers. In this example, 20 repetitionsof the 36 channels, 0 through 35, could be used to create an unscrambledsequence of channels 128 of length 720. Three repetitions of the 240random numbers could be used to create a scrambling sequence 130 oflength 720. Thus, the unscrambled sequence of channels 128 may bemapped, using the scrambling sequence 130, to create the scrambledsequence of channels 132 having 720 channels for association with 720time slots (which may be associated with a 24-hour day).

A scrambled sequence of channels (having channel-repeats removed) 134may be created. The scrambling process may introduce channel-repeats(e.g., two adjacent timeslots having the same channel), into thescrambled sequence of channels 132. The sequence 134 is a refinement ofthe scrambled sequence 132, has the channel-repeats removed, and will bediscussed further, below.

Removal of channel-repeats may cause some channels to be used more thanothers. A whitened scrambled sequence of channels 136 improves thesituation, by lessening the variance in usage of different channels.Channel whitening will be discussed further, below.

Example Hopping Sequence Generation

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example relationship 200 betweentimeslots and hopping sequences. In the example, each timeslot isassociated with a hopping sequence channel. Thus, at any given time, aparticular frequency is in use by a transmitter and receiver. Uponconclusion of the timeslot, the transmitter and receiver may move to adifferent frequency and/or channel associated with the next timeslot.

Frequency hopping is a spread spectrum technique that may be used when aband (i.e., a portion of the RF spectrum) is to be shared betweenseveral users. Frequency hopping may be used to mitigate linkimpairments (i.e., reception problems between network nodes) due tointerference and also to minimize interference caused by the networknodes to other users of the band. The network (e.g., network 100 ofFIG. 1) may be allowed to use a frequency band of finite extent (e.g.,the 902 MHz-928 MHz ISM band). The band utilized by the network may besubdivided into channels (e.g., 64 channels (IEEE 802.15.4g OFDM Option3)). In one example, the network utilizes frequency hopping by usingavailable channels (or a significant subset of them) in a sequence,called the hopping sequence. By frequency hopping, the RF traffic isspread over the band.

The frequency hopping sequence may have certain characteristics, or maybe configured to conform to certain requirements. The hopping sequencedescribes a sequence by which the channels in a channel plan may beutilized. The channel plan may include the center frequencies andoccupied bandwidths of a plurality of channels that are available foruse. The channel plan and hopping sequence may be associated with amodulation scheme. In one example, the hopping sequence may beconfigured to use all channels equally (or nearly equally). Also, sothat communication is successful and synchronized, both the transmitterand the receiver should know the hopping sequence and the modulationscheme. The hopping sequence may be described by notation (e.g., HS(k),wherein HS is a particular hopping sequence, k is a particular timeslot,and HS(k) is a particular channel at the particular timeslot).Interference is mitigated if the sequence is random, pseudo random, ornearly so. For example, hopping only between adjacent channels may notbe effective to avoid interference from wide-band interferers.

In the example of FIG. 2, a time period (e.g., 24 hours) may be dividedinto periods called “timeslots” or “time slots” which may be of equallength. Timeslots zero through three are shown in FIG. 2. A hoppingsequence may be associated with the timeslots. The hopping sequenceassociates a channel or RF frequency with each timeslot. In the exampleof FIG. 2, the sequence (HS(0), HS(1), HS(2), . . . ), where HS(k)represents a channel number or frequency, is the hopping sequence.Accordingly, each timeslot is mapped to an element of the hoppingsequence. During timeslot number k, the receiver is listening on channelnumber HS(k). If the transmitter wants to send a packet during timeslotnumber k, it will send it on channel number HS(k), and a receiver willreceive it on that channel.

Thus, FIG. 2 shows an example by which a single hopping sequence may beassociated with a given set of channels. However, the techniquesdisclosed herein perform additional functionality. In one example,different networks may be associated with different radio bands (i.e.,RF spectrum of different widths and frequencies). Techniques describedherein adapt the hopping sequence to any number of channels.Accordingly, the hopping sequence generator 126 of FIG. 1 is adapted todiffering availability of RF spectrum, different channel locations,and/or different numbers and lengths of timeslots. Accordingly, thehopping sequence generator 126 may configure a node for use in a systemor network having different available spectrum and design requirements.

Because several networks (or sub-networks) might share a same (ornearby) geographic area, an issue of radio interference may exist. Tolessen such interference, the hopping sequence generator 126 may beconfigured to provide a hopping sequence for a network that isquasi-orthogonal to sequences used by other networks. Accordingly, thehopping sequence generator 126 may provide hopping sequences thatminimize interference between networks.

A particular channel in a hopping sequence (e.g., channel HS(k)) may becalculated to allow a transmitter or receiver to tune that channeldirectly, without storage of entire hopping sequences in memory.Accordingly, radio and/or transceiver 116 can compute on-the-fly thenext channel to be used and doesn't need to store entire sequences inmemory. Thus, a formula and a real-time clock may be used to determine acurrent timeslot and an associated hopping sequence channel.

Another feature of the sequence HS(k) of FIG. 2 is that it may beconfigured to repeat itself after one full day. In this way the hoppingsequence can be easily synchronized with a system, network or otherreal-time clock.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of hopping sequencegeneration 300, by which an unscrambled sequence of channels 128 isscrambled to create the scrambled sequence of channels 132. In thisfirst example 300 of hopping sequence generation, a channel number mayappear twice in a row in the scrambled sequence 132 (this is referred toas a channel-repeat). This repetition may be undesirable in somecircumstances. Other hopping sequence generation techniques, describedherein, may be used to avoid channel-repeats.

The scrambled sequence of channels 132, created by the hopping sequencegeneration 300 techniques, may be used as a channel hopping sequencewithin a network. The hopping sequence generation may utilize ascrambling process 302 to reorganize a natural order of channels (e.g.,channel 0, channel 1, channel 2, . . . ) in a pseudo-random way. In oneexample, the scrambling process 302 may utilize a scrambling sequence(e.g., scrambling sequence 130 of FIG. 1). To continue the example, thescrambling sequence may be generated by a Galois field, such as GF(241).The scrambled sequence of channels 132 may be used as a hopping sequenceof channels associated with timeslots. In operation, radios in nodes inthe network tune to a particular channel indicated by the scrambledsequence of channels 132 associated with a present timeslot, which maybe based at least in part on the time of day.

Without scrambling, the nodes, system and/or a network would use Navailable channels starting from the first one (channel 0) in a naturalincreasing order. After the last channel (channel N−1) had been usedthis would start over with the first channel Such channel use may tendto be less effective at avoiding interference, and more prone to createinterference within the network, than a scrambled sequence of channels.To avoid these problems, the scrambling process 302 assigns a newposition to each channel of the unscrambled sequence 128 to create thescrambled sequence 132.

In the example shown, all channels are evenly and/or equally representedin the initial unscrambled sequence 128. Accordingly, all channels willalso be evenly represented (equally used) in the scrambled sequence 132.That is, because only the positions of the channels are changed by thescrambling process 302, each channel in the scrambled sequence ofchannels is equally represented. However, while channels are equallyutilized, channel-repeats are possible. Techniques for removing suchrepeats are discussed below.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing techniques 400 for creation of a periodicpseudo-random sequence. Such a sequence may be used as the scramblingsequence 130 of FIG. 1. In operation, the scrambling sequence 130 may beused to scramble the unscrambled sequence of channels 128 into ascrambled sequence of channels 132.

In the example of FIG. 4, a pseudo-random number generator 402 is usedto generate random numbers. In the example shown, a Galois field (e.g.,GF(241)) may be used to create the scrambling sequence 130.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example relationship 500 between ascrambling sequence 130, an unscrambled sequence of channels 128 and ascrambled sequence of channels 132. In the example shown, the scramblingis performed on successive blocks of 240 elements of the unscrambledsequence of channels. The mechanism by which the unscrambled sequence ofchannels is scrambled is shown by the example 500. The magnitude ornumerical value of each value in the scrambling sequence 130 is used toselect an element in the unscrambled sequence of channels 128 foraddition to the scrambled sequence of channels 132. Thus, because firstvalue in the scrambling sequence 130 is the number 1, the first channel(channel 0) from the unscrambled sequence of channels 128 is the firstchannel in the scrambled sequence of channels 132. And, because thesecond value in the scrambling sequence 130 is the number 7, the seventhchannel (channel 6) from the unscrambled sequence of channels 128 isused as the second channel in the scrambled sequence of channels 132.And further, because the third value of the scrambling sequence 130 isthe number 49, and the forty-ninth value from the unscrambled sequenceof channels 128 becomes the third channel in the scrambled sequence ofchannels 132. Accordingly, each successive 240 elements of the scrambledsequence of channels 132 are created in this manner.

Note that the number of channels may be significantly less (e.g., 36channels) than the number of elements repeated in the scramblingsequence (e.g., 240). In this example, if two consecutive elements inthe scrambling sequence differ in value by 36, this may cause the samechannel to be used in the two consecutive locations of the scrambledsequence of channels 132. Such channel repetition may be considered achannel-repeat. In some instances, channel-repeats may somewhat degradea node's ability to reject interference and may somewhat increaseinterference created by the node.

Example Techniques to Detect and Correct Channel-Repeat

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example 600 of a channel-repeat in ahopping sequence of channels 132. In the example shown, channel 1 isused twice in consecutive timeslots at location 602. As noted above,this could be the result of consecutive random numbers in the scramblingsequence differing by an amount equal to the number of channelsavailable to the network. Thus, FIG. 6 illustrates a problem, i.e. achannel-repeat in a timeslot, which may be resolved by appropriatereplacement of one of the repeating channels with a different channel.The method of channel-repeat resolution is efficient, and utilizesminimal power (thereby saving batteries, in some installations).Advantageously, resolution of the channel-repeats results in moreuniform channel usage and therefore better compatibility in manyinstallations and applications.

When the number of channels (e.g., 36 or 64 channels) is much smallerthan the period of the random number sequence (e.g., 240, associatedwith GF(241)), the same channel may occasionally be used for twoconsecutive timeslots. When the number of channels is high (for instance64) this will not be frequent and can be acceptable for manyapplications. For other applications or when the number of channels islow (e.g., 8 or 10 channels), the number of channel-repeats could beconsidered an imperfection of the hopping sequence and correction may bedesirable.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing resolution of the channel-repeat issue ofFIG. 6. In particular, the channel-repeat 602 has been resolved in theold hopping sequence by replacement of the channel 1 in timeslot 3(shown at 702) with channel 5 (shown at 704). By replacing channel 1with channel 5 at timeslot 3, the channel-repeat is overcome. Also,because of the selection of channel 5 as the replacement channel for usein timeslot 3 of the new hopping sequence, no new channel-repeat wascreated. Note that selection of channel 8 in timeslot 3 would haveresulted in a new channel-repeat.

In one example, changing the hopping sequence values only at odd (oreven) timeslots is enough to avoid all channel-repeats and to providechannel-repeat resolution. Thus, in the example of FIG. 7, the channelused by timeslot 3 was changed. The hopping sequence at even (or odd)timeslots is never modified.

Several benefits result from this system of channel-repeat resolution.First, because only odd (or even) timeslots are changed, at least halfof the hopping sequence values will be left unchanged in the new hoppingsequence. Only every second timeslot needs to be checked for achannel-repeat.

Secondly, creation of a second channel-repeat is easily prevented, whencorrecting for an existing channel-repeat. If a channel-repeat isdetected, it is important only to consider the hopping sequence value atthree timeslots (the present one, the one just before and the one justafter). For instance in the example shown in FIG. 7, the channel used intimeslot 3 may be changed because the same channel is used in timeslot4. A channel different from channel 8 must be selected (because channel8 is used in timeslot 2). A channel different from channel 1 must beselected, because channel 1 is used in timeslot 4. Accordingly, thechannel used in timeslot 3 may be selected from among channels otherthan channel 1 (which is used in timeslot 4 and caused thechannel-repeat) and channel 8 (which is used in timeslot 2). Thus,selection is made from channels other than 1 and 8. The selection may beperformed in a pseudo-random way among all available channels. Thescrambling sequence (e.g., scrambling sequence 130 of FIG. 1) may beused to make the selection of the replacement channel for timeslot 3.The scrambling sequence may be used because it includes pseudo-randominformation already available in the process and available to all nodes,including transmitters and receivers.

At any moment, a transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver might beturned on within a network. That radio may jump quickly in the middle ofa hopping sequence that might be very long. To do this, the networkdevice may look at a clock, and use the time of day to see whichtimeslot number is the present one. The clock may be running all thetime for this to be possible. The device may then compute the scramblingsequence and the ‘old’ or original hopping sequence for the presenttimeslot, the one just before and the one just after. This computationmay be performed using mathematical equation(s) in a rapid manner,allowing the network device to jump in the middle of the hoppingsequence. If a channel-repeat occurred, then a channel may be changed asdescribed herein. Accordingly, the change of a channel to resolve(remove) the channel-repeat may be made with the knowledge of only threehopping sequence values.

A different approach consisting of allowing changes in any timeslotmight lead to the following undesirable situation. A first channel ischanged for a timeslot, which creates a second channel-repeat in thenext timeslot. The second channel-repeat can be resolved with a channelchange. However, this channel change may create a third channel-repeatfor the following timeslot. Thus, under the different approach it isdifficult or impossible to know the number of timeslots that need to beconsidered to reconstruct the new hopping sequence.

FIGS. 8 through 11 are timeslot charts showing aspects of achannel-repeat detection and resolution algorithm, which preventsconsecutive timeslots from using the same channel. In the example ofFIGS. 8 through 11, two consecutive timeslots sharing the same channelnumber may be considered a channel-repeat. If a channel-repeat isdetected, the channel used by one timeslot associated with thechannel-repeat is changed to thereby resolve the channel-repeat.

The example algorithm and discussion is described with respect to evenand odd numbered timeslots. This description is for convenience andillustration, and even and odd could be reversed in other examples. Inthe example shown, channel numbers are changed only in odd-numberedtimeslots. Channel-repeat detection analysis is performed when thenumber of the timeslot is even. If a channel-repeat is detected, thechannel number for the previous timeslot (which is odd) is changed toresolve (avoid and/or prevent) the channel-repeat. The channel changeshould be computed to avoid the detected channel-repeat and also avoidcreating a new channel-repeat with the other neighboring timeslot. Theprocess is illustrated in the FIG. 8 for an illustrative 10-channelcase.

FIG. 8 shows a timeslot chart 800, wherein a channel-repeat is locatedat an odd-numbered timeslot followed by an even-numbered timeslot. Ateven timeslots k=0 and k=2, no channel-repeat was detected.

No channel-repeat was detected at timeslot k=0, which uses channel 4,because there is no previous timeslot and timeslot k=1 uses channel 6.Also, no channel-repeat was detected at timeslot k=2, which uses channel5, because the previous timeslot (k=1) uses channel 6 and the subsequenttimeslot (k=3) uses channel 2.

However, in even timeslot k=4 a channel-repeat was detected, sincetimeslots k=3 and k=4 both use channel 2. Thus, the channel-repeat isindicated at 802, including an odd-numbered timeslot followed by aneven-numbered timeslot both assigned to channel 2. To resolve thechannel-repeat, the odd timeslot k=3 is assigned a different channel.The timeslot for k=3 must be disassociated from channel 2 (which is usedby timeslot k=4) and may not be assigned to channel 5 (which is used bytimeslot k=2). Accordingly, another channel for timeslot k=3 may beselected, other than channels 2 and 5. In the example of FIG. 8, thechannel selected for timeslot k=3 is channel 0, and the channel changeis indicated at 804. The channel may be selected through operation of apseudo random function, and may be selected using the pseudo randomscrambling sequence 130.

FIG. 9 shows a timeslot chart 900, wherein a channel-repeat is locatedat an even-numbered timeslot followed by an odd-numbered timeslot. Ateven timeslots k=0 and k=2, no channel-repeat was detected. Nochannel-repeat was detected at k=0 because there is no previoustimeslot. Also, no channel-repeat was detected at timeslot k=2 becausetimeslot k=2 uses is channel 4 and timeslot k=1 uses channel 6.

However, at even timeslot k=4 a channel-repeat was detected, i.e.,timeslots k=2 and k=3 both use channel 4. Thus, the channel-repeat isindicated at 902, including an even-numbered timeslot followed by anodd-numbered timeslot both assigned to channel 4. To resolve thechannel-repeat, the odd timeslot k=3 is assigned a different channel.The timeslot for k=3 must be disassociated from channel 4 (which is usedby timeslot k=2) and may not be assigned to channel 2 (which is used bytimeslot k=4). Accordingly, another channel for timeslot k=3 may beselected from among channels not including channels 2 and 4. In theexample of FIG. 8, the channel selected for timeslot k=3 is channel 6,and the channel change is indicated at 904. The selection of channel 6may have been made through operation of a pseudo random function, suchas the pseudo random scrambling sequence 130.

FIG. 10 shows an example 1000 of how the channel used to replace arepeating channel may be selected, to thereby resolve the channel-repeat1002. In order to increase the randomness of the sequence a randomchannel may be chosen from among N−2 possibilities, wherein N is thenumber of channels, and two channels may not be selected due to anexisting channel-repeat and a potential channel-repeat. Severalalgorithms can be used to pick a random channel, but the scramblingsequence value for timeslot k−1, SS(k−1), may be used to make thischoice. Accordingly, an example implementation of a random choicealgorithm is described. The scrambling sequence modulo (N−2) gives N−2possible values, and may be expressed:SS(k−1)modulo(N−2)ε{0,1, . . . ,N−3}  Equation (1)

Each value may be made to correspond to an available channel. To achievethis, this value may be used to shift the channel number away from thechannel used in timeslot k−2. Mathematically this is written as:

$\begin{matrix}\{ \begin{matrix}{{shift} = {( {{{SS}( {k - 1} )}\mspace{14mu}{modulo}\mspace{14mu}( {N - 2} )} ) + 1}} \\{{{HS}^{\prime}( {k - 1} )} = {( {{{HS}( {k - 2} )} + {shift}} )\mspace{14mu}{modulo}\mspace{14mu} N}}\end{matrix}  & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(2)}\end{matrix}$

This new hopping sequence value will avoid the channel-repeat with thechannel used by timeslot k−2 but not necessarily with the channel usedby timeslot k. A channel-repeat with timeslot k will occur if:(HS(k−2)+shift)modulo N=HS(k)  Equation (3)

To meet this second condition, a test may be performed for thischannel-repeat. If a channel-repeat does occur, the following shift maybe applied:

$\begin{matrix}\{ \begin{matrix}{{shift} = {N - 1}} \\{{{HS}^{\prime}( {k - 1} )} = {( {{{HS}( {k - 2} )} + {shift}} )\mspace{14mu}{modulo}\mspace{14mu} N}}\end{matrix}  & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(4)}\end{matrix}$

An example algorithm is therefore:

$\begin{matrix}\{ \begin{matrix}{{shift} = {( {{{SS}( {k - 1} )}\mspace{14mu}{modulo}\mspace{14mu}( {N - 2} )} ) + 1}} \\{{{if}\mspace{14mu}{shift}} = {{{HS}(k)} - {{{HS}( {k - 2} )}\mspace{14mu}{modulo}\mspace{14mu} N\mspace{14mu}{then}}}} \\{\mspace{31mu}{{shift} = {N - 1}}} \\{{end}\mspace{14mu}{if}} \\{{{HS}^{\prime}( {k - 1} )} = {( {{{HS}( {k - 2} )} + {shift}} )\mspace{14mu}{modulo}\mspace{14mu} N}}\end{matrix}  & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(5)}\end{matrix}$

FIG. 11 shows an example wherein the unmodified hopping sequence usesthe same channel for three consecutive timeslots, shown at 1102. Thismay be considered a double channel-repeat. In the example shown, themiddle timeslot is odd, and its channel may be re-associated with one of(N−1) available channels to avoid the channel-repeat (instead of the N−2channels as was the case in FIGS. 8 through 10). The algorithm for thesimple (i.e., two timeslot) channel-repeat can still be used if achannel-repeat extends over three consecutive timeslots, but thealgorithm of FIGS. 8 through 10 can also be adapted. However, theresulting randomization gain of such adaptation may be small, and insome applications may not warrant the added complexity of suchadaptation.

FIG. 12 is a timeslot chart showing aspects of a further example 1200 ofa channel-repeat detection algorithm, wherein adjacent timeslots usingthe same channel or a channel different by one channel are considered achannel-repeat. In the example shown, timeslots k−2 and k−1 utilizechannels 4 and 5, respectively. Because timeslots k−2 and k−1 areadjacent, and because channels 4 and 5 differ by one channel, thechannel arrangement 1202 may be considered a channel-repeat. Continuingthe example of changing the odd-numbered timeslot, timeslot k−1 may bechanged to any of timeslots 0 or 6 through 9. Channels 1 through 3 areunavailable because use of these channels by timeslot k−1 would resultin a channel conflict with timeslot k. Channel 4 is not available,because changing the channel of timeslot k−1 to channel 4 would resultin a different channel-repeat between timeslots k−2 and k−1. However, iftimeslot k−1 is assigned any of channels 0 or 6 through 9 then achannel-repeat is avoided.

Example Techniques for Channel Whitening

FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams supporting a discussion of channelwhitening, which may be used to “whiten” RF spectrum after applicationof a channel-repeat detection and resolution algorithm. If all of thechannels within a spectrum are used an equal (or near equal) number oftimes, the spectrum may be considered to be a white spectrum. This is byanalogy to white light, which is light that is relatively equallycomprised of different color-frequencies of light. The process of makingchannel usage more uniform is therefore called whitening.

The initial hopping sequence (e.g., the “old hopping sequence” of FIG.7), before application of techniques to remove instances ofchannel-repeat, utilized all channels the same number of times. This isdue to the design process of the initial hopping sequence. Inparticular, only the position of the channels is changed as theunscrambled sequence of channels is scrambled, not the overall frequencyof use.

However, the techniques to remove instances of channel-repeat preventthe use of the same channel twice in a row, and may change the overallusage of some channels. Such techniques disturb the symmetry of thedesign, and it becomes likely that all channels will not be used exactlythe same number of times.

For most programs and applications, the techniques to remove instancesof channel-repeat result in a hopping sequence that is sufficientlyuniform to be acceptable. Other applications may require, or benefitfrom, more uniform channel usage. Accordingly, techniques for channelwhitening may optionally be utilized.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a channel hopping or spreading sequence thatis periodic. After a number of timeslots (which may be based at least inpart on the number of channels), the pattern or sequence is repeated.FIG. 13 illustrates a channel hopping sequence using 36 channels. After720 timeslots that include three repetitions of the 240-hop scramblingsequence, the pattern repeats itself.

One consequence of the repetition of the pattern, every 720 timeslots,is that the same resolutions of the same channel-repeats will repeat ina pattern. If these channel-repeats are resolved the same way each time,some channels may be under-utilized and some channels may beover-utilized.

FIG. 13 shows that the period having 720 timeslots is the least commonmultiple (i.e., the smallest number of timeslots) associable with the240-hop scrambling sequence and the 36 available channels. Thus, thescrambling sequence may include a greater number of terms than there areavailable channels in the network. Equation (6) provides an examplerelationship between a number of timeslots (e.g., 720), an examplenumber of elements in a pseudorandom sequence (e.g., 240), and anexample number of available channels (e.g., 36).720=3×240=20×36  Equation (6)

As noted above, after 720 timeslots, the pattern of FIG. 13 repeats,resulting in potential repetition of uneven channel use. To minimize theuneven channel use, the periodicity may be broken and the spreadingsequence may thereby be whitened. In one example, the second repetitionof the pattern may be made slightly different from the first one. Bymaking the second repetition slightly different, small imperfections (inevenness of channel usage) caused by the channel-repeat detection andresolution techniques will not disappear but will be slightly differentfor each repetition of the periodic pattern. Such slight differences (inthe imperfections caused by channel-repeat resolution) may tend to beless pronounced over time.

FIG. 14 shows example whitening techniques which provide at least somecompensation for uneven channel use introduced by channel-repeatresolution techniques. In the example of FIG. 14, a circular shift ofthe unscrambled sequence of channels may be performed prior to thesecond repetition of the 720 timeslots. In the circular shift of theunscrambled sequence of channels, channel 0 becomes channel 1, channel 1becomes channel 2, . . . , and channel N−1 becomes channel 0.Accordingly, as communication over channels associated with the seconditeration of the 720 timeslots is performed, uneven channel use of thefirst iteration is at least partially averaged out, and in any case, isnot identically reinforced by repetition.

Example Techniques for Circadian Cycle Utilization

In some example usages of the techniques described herein, it isconvenient to have a hopping sequence that repeats itself after acomplete day. This may simplify the operation of software on networkdevices. For example, if network devices (e.g., endpoints in a utilitynetwork setting) have a real-time clock, knowledge of the time of theday can be used to determine a timeslot number and a position in thehopping sequence. The real-time clock may be updated and/or setregularly, and this may be done by the network itself, by anothernetwork, by GPS or other means.

If one-day periodicity is desired, some constraints may be considered.For the one-day cycle to be convenient, an integer number of timeslotsmay be used in a day. Equation (7) provides an example:

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{{Number}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{timeslots}\mspace{14mu}{per}\mspace{14mu}{day}} = {{( {24\text{-}{hour}\text{/}{day}*3600\mspace{14mu}\sec\text{/}{hour}} )/{timeslot}}\mspace{14mu}{length}}} \\{= {{( {24*3600\mspace{14mu}\sec\text{/}{day}} )/{timeslot}}\mspace{14mu}{length}}}\end{matrix} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(7)}\end{matrix}$

An integer number of scrambling sequences may be used in a day tosimplify the sequence computation. Equation (8) provides an example of aconstraint that may be utilized, wherein the example includes a 240channel scrambling sequence.

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{{{No}.\mspace{11mu}{of}}\mspace{14mu}{scrambling}\mspace{14mu}{sequences}\mspace{14mu}{per}\mspace{14mu}{day}} = {{{no}.\mspace{11mu}{of}}\mspace{14mu}{timeslots}\mspace{14mu}{per}\mspace{14mu}{day}\text{/}240}} \\{= {( {24*3600\mspace{14mu}\sec\text{/}{day}} )/( {240*{timeslot}\mspace{14mu}{length}} )}} \\{= {( {360\mspace{14mu}\sec\text{/}{day}} )/( {{timeslot}\mspace{14mu}{length}} )}}\end{matrix} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(8)}\end{matrix}$

Because of the above example's use of 240 elements as the scramblingsequence length, the constraint on timeslot length allows calculation ofa simple timeslot length that will satisfy above condition.

Example Techniques for Quasi-Orthogonal Sequence Utilization

Two representative examples provide techniques to generatequasi-orthogonal sequences. If each of two different networks uses oneof the quasi-orthogonal sequences, then RF interference between thenetworks may be reduced.

In a first example, an existing scrambling sequence can be modified witha circular shift. In one example, the circular shift could involvestarting with the fifth element in the scrambling sequence rather thanthe first element. The initial and modified scrambling sequences couldbe used in different networks, such as to reduce cross-network RFinterference. The technique of this example works well in networks thatare synchronized to the real time.

In a second example, a different Galois field primitive element may beused (e.g., with the same Galois field) to generate the scramblingsequence for use in different networks. Thus, a given Galois field canproduce several different pseudo-random sequences.

Example Methods

In some examples of the techniques discusses herein, the methods ofoperation may be performed by one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASIC) or may be performed by a general purposeprocessor utilizing software defined in computer readable media. In theexamples and techniques discussed herein, the memory 124 may comprisecomputer-readable media and may take the form of volatile memory, suchas random access memory (RAM) and/or non-volatile memory, such as readonly memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Computer-readable media devices includevolatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implementedin any method or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data for execution by one or more processors of a computingdevice. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limitedto, phase change memory (PRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM),dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology,compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) orother optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitorymedium that can be used to store information for access by a computingdevice.

As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transitorymedia, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves, and/or signals.

FIGS. 15-22 are flow diagrams showing an example processes which arerepresentative of techniques for use in frequency hopping sequencegeneration, channel-repeat detection and resolution, channel whitening,circadian cycle utilization, and creation and utilization ofquasi-orthogonal channel hopping sequences. The processes may, but neednot necessarily, be implemented in whole or in part by the hoppingsequence generator 126 and/or the network 100. Accordingly, theprocesses 1500-2200 may be implemented using numerous network nodes,networks and/or systems.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing example techniques 1500 of frequencyhopping sequence calculation. The techniques 1500 compute a scramblingsequence to determine a channel for use in each of a plurality oftimeslots. The techniques 1500 check for channel-repeats ateven-numbered timeslots and change odd-numbered timeslots if there is achannel-repeat. In alternative examples, this could be changed orreversed. Accordingly, a channel hopping sequence could be generated foruse in network communications.

At block 1502, a variable k is initialized to a value of zero. Thevariable k may be used to represent a particular timeslot, i.e., thek^(th) timeslot. As the value of k changes during operation of thetechniques 1500, a different location in the scrambling sequence and/orhopping sequence may be considered. In the example shown, the variable kis set to zero at a particular time, such as midnight (e.g., 00:00:00).

At block 1504, all or part of a scrambling sequence is computed. Thescrambling sequence may be indicated by the notation SS(k), whereinSS(k) is the k^(th) element of the scrambling sequence. In the exampleof FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, a scrambling sequence 130 may be created by use ofa Galois field.

At block 1506, all or part of a hopping sequence is computed. In theexample of FIG. 5, the scrambling sequence 130 is used to create ascrambled sequence of channels 132 from an unscrambled sequence ofchannels 128. The scrambled sequence of channels 132 may be used as ahopping sequence by a radio. Block 1506 utilizes the notation HS(k),which indicates a particular channel in the hopping sequence (i.e., HS)that is used at the timeslot k.

At block 1508, the techniques 1500 determine if k is even (or odd)valued. In the example shown, channel-repeats are checked for evenvalues of k, and the hopping sequence of odd values of k may be changed,if required due to a channel-repeat. This could be changed or reversed,if desired.

At block 1510, if k is even, a check is made for a channel-repeat. Asseen in the example of FIG. 6, a channel-repeat may be usage 602 of asame channel (e.g., channel 1) in two adjacent timeslots (e.g.,timeslots 3 and 4) of the channel hopping sequence 132. As seen in theexample of FIG. 12, a channel-repeat 1202 may be indicated because twoadjacent timeslots (k−2 and k−1) utilize channels (channels 4 and 5)that differ by only one channel. Thus, a channel-repeat may be defineddifferently, in different circumstances.

At block 1512, if the hopping sequence indicates a channel-repeat, oneof the channels is changed to resolve the channel-repeat issue. In theexamples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the channel at hopping sequence k=3 ischanged. Such change resolves the channel-repeat issue.

At block 1514, the variable k is incremented. Note that if k isoriginally set to zero, k is incremented at this location.Alternatively, if k was set to K originally, k may be decremented atthis location.

At block 1516, the current value of k is compared to the number oftimeslots, K. K may be the number of timeslots in a 24-hour day or otherperiod of time. If k<K, then block 1504 is performed. If k=K, then block1502 is performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing example techniques 1600 forchannel-repeat detection and resolution. In one example, a networkdevice (e.g., network node or endpoint) is activated or awakes and mustcalculate a timeslot (e.g., using a real-time clock), and then calculatea channel to tune at the timeslot. The techniques 1600 include detectionof a channel-repeat, resolving the channel-repeat, and checking forcreation of a newly created channel-repeat.

At block 1602, a channel-repeat and avoidance and/or resolutionalgorithm is initiated. In the example shown, the timeslot number k isan even integer.

At block 1604, the hopping sequence (HS) channel of timeslot k−1 iscompared to the hopping sequence channel of timeslot k−2. Additionally,the hopping sequence channel of timeslot k is compared to the hoppingsequence channel of timeslot k−1. At block 1606, a check is made for achannel-repeat between timeslots k and k−1, and timeslots k−1 and k−2.

At block 1608, if a channel-repeat occurred, a value of a variable“shift” is calculated. Shift may be set equal to the scrambling sequencechannel at timeslot k−1, modulo N−2, plus one. The value of the variableshift may be used to shift, rotate or change the ordering of numbers inthe scrambling sequence in a circular manner, by the magnitude of theshift value.

At block 1610, a check is made to determine if the shift, rotation orchange applied to the scrambling sequence at block 1608 resulted increation of a channel-repeat. A channel-repeat will have resulted if thevalue of the variable shift is equal to the hopping sequence channel atk minus the hopping sequence channel at k−2, modulo N.

At block 1612, if a channel-repeat was created at block 1610, the valueof the shift variable is set to N−1.

At block 1614, the channel-repeat is resolved. The channel in thehopping sequence at timeslot k−1 is set to the channel of the hoppingsequence at timeslot k−2, plus the shift value, modulo N.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing example techniques 1700 for frequencyhopping sequence generation. At block 1702, a scrambling sequence isgenerated. The scrambling sequence may be configured for use in mappingand/or scrambling an unscrambled sequence of channels to create ascrambled sequence of channels. The example scrambling sequence 130 ofFIGS. 1 and 4 includes a sequence of numbers based on a periodicsequence of pseudorandom numbers obtained from a Galois field. Othertechniques could alternatively be applied to generate the scramblingsequence.

At block 1704, an unscrambled sequence of channels is mapped, changed,scrambled, etc., to create a scrambled sequence of channels. The mappingmay be performed using the scrambling sequence (e.g., scramblingsequence 130, from block 1702). FIG. 5 shows an example of a scramblingsequence 130 mapping an unscrambled sequence of channels into ascrambled sequence of channels.

Blocks 1706 through 1710 show example techniques to create the scrambledsequence of channels, and therefore provide different examples of theoperation of block 1704. At block 1706, the scrambling sequence may beused to scramble the unscrambled sequence of channels to produce thescrambled sequence of channels. In the example, an element from theunscrambled sequence of channels indicated by a magnitude of an elementof the scrambling sequence. In the example of FIG. 5, the first numberin the scrambling sequence 130 is 1; therefore, the first term in theunscrambled sequence of channels 128, i.e., zero, is selected as thefirst term in the scrambled sequence of channels 132. Continuing theexample, the second number in the scrambling sequence 130 is 7;therefore, the seventh term in the unscrambled sequence of channels 128,i.e., six, is selected as the second term in the scrambled sequence ofchannels 132. This process may be repeated.

The mapping process may include one or more constraints and/orcharacteristics of the timeslot length, scrambling sequence and/orscrambled sequence of channels. At block 1708, a first integer number oftimeslots for a 24-hour day may be used. That is, the number oftimeslots used may fit evenly into a 24-hour day. Additionally, eachtimeslot may be assigned a channel from the scrambled sequence ofchannels. At block 1710, a second integer number (not necessarily thesame as the integer discussed at block 1708) of repetitions of thescrambling sequence, which was used to derive channels for each of thefirst integer number of timeslots, fits the 24-hour day.

At block 1712, the scrambled sequence of channels may be repeatedidentically in each of a plurality of days. Such repetition allows anynetwork device to use a clock to obtain the time, and then to derive atimeslot associated with that time, and to then derive a channelassociated with the timeslot. Because the scrambled sequence of channelsis repeated daily, the process is somewhat simpler for the networkdevice. At block 1714, with the timeslot and associated channel known tothe network device, a radio may be operated according to an indicatedchannel from among the scrambled sequence of channels.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing example techniques 1800 forchannel-repeat detection and resolution. At block 1802, the scrambledsequence of channels may be checked for a channel-repeat. Blocks 1804and 1806 provide example techniques by which the check of block 1802 maybe performed. In the example of block 1804, every other timeslot (i.e.,alternate timeslots) in the scrambled sequence of channels is checkedfor a channel-repeat. By checking every other timeslot for achannel-repeat, the calculation is more rapidly performed than if everytimeslot is considered. At block 1806, the definition of achannel-repeat may be customized. In one example, the same channel intwo adjacent timeslots may be considered to be a channel-repeat. In asecond example, two channels differing by one channel (e.g., channels 5and 6) may be considered to be a channel-repeat. In a third example, twoadjacent timeslots utilized by signal having less than a thresholddifference in frequency may be considered a channel-repeat. At block1808, a channel-repeat may be detected. At block 1810, a channel withinthe scrambled sequence of channels may be changed, to thereby remove thechannel-repeat. In the example of block 1812, a channel in a timeslot isreplaced with a channel that is not used by either of the adjacenttimeslots. Such replacement resolves the channel-repeat. In the exampleof block 1814, the channel that is repeated in the scrambled sequence ofchannels may be replaced with a pseudo random selection from amongchannels that would not result in a further instance of two adjacenttimeslots using a same channel. The scrambling sequence 130 (see FIG. 1)may be used to make the pseudo random selection. Accordingly, thechannel-repeat is resolved.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing example techniques for channel whitening.At block 1902, a periodic pattern of channel hopping may be defined foruse in a network. The periodic pattern may be based at least in part ona least common multiple of scrambling sequence length and number ofchannels. At block 1904, a circular shift in the unscrambled sequence ofchannels may be made. Such a shift may break the periodicity betweenrepetitions of the channel hopping sequence.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing example techniques for operation of anetwork device. At block 2002, a clock is read to determine a presenttimeslot number. Thus, if timeslots are numbered (e.g., from midnight)the time of day and length of each timeslot may be used to identify thepresent timeslot. At block 2004, a scrambling sequence and an originalor initial channel hopping sequence are computed. The initial channelhopping sequence may include channel-repeats, which may requireresolution. At block 2006, a channel-repeat in the original hoppingsequence is detected and fixed. The fix should be performed in a mannerthat does not create a new channel-repeat. At block 2008, the networkdevice and/or associated radio/transceiver device tunes a correctchannel according to the fixed hopping sequence.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are diagrams showing example techniques 2100 and 2200for creating and utilizing quasi-orthogonal channel hopping sequencesfor use within a plurality of networks. The quasi-orthogonal channelhopping sequences reduce interference between network devices on onenetwork with network devices on the other network.

At block 2102, a circular shift may be applied to a scrambling sequenceused in the first network. The circular shift of the scrambling sequencewill result in a new scrambling sequence. At block 2104, the new orshifted scrambling sequence may be utilized in the second network.

At block 2202, a scrambling sequence, for use in a first network, may begenerated using a first primitive element and a Galois field. At block2204, a second scrambling sequence, for use in a second network, may begenerated using a second primitive element and the same Galois field.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms ofimplementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: generating a scramblingsequence using a sequence of pseudo random numbers; mapping anunscrambled sequence of channels, using the scrambling sequence, tocreate a scrambled sequence of channels, wherein mapping the unscrambledsequence of channels to create the scrambled sequence of channelscomprises selecting an element from the unscrambled sequence of channelsindicated by a magnitude of an element of the scrambling sequence; andoperating a radio according to the scrambled sequence of channels. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein: a first integer number of timeslotsfills a 24-hour day, each timeslot being assigned a channel of thescrambled sequence of channels; and a second integer number ofrepetitions of the scrambling sequence is used to derive a channel foreach timeslot of the first integer number of timeslots.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the scrambled sequence of channels is repeated in eachof a plurality of days.
 4. The method of claim 1, additionallycomprising: detecting, in the scrambled sequence of channels, twoadjacent timeslots using a same channel; and replacing a channel used byone of the two adjacent timeslots, so that the two adjacent timeslots donot use the same channel, and so that a further instance of two adjacenttimeslots using a same channel is not created by the replacing.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, additionally comprising: checking a timeslot for achannel-repeat, wherein first and second adjacent timeslots, associatedwith either a same channel or two adjacent channels, are achannel-repeat; and replacing a channel in the first or second timeslotwith a channel that is not used by, and that is not adjacent to, achannel used by either of the first and second adjacent timeslots. 6.The method of claim 1, additionally comprising: checking the scrambledsequence of channels for a channel-repeat; and replacing a channel toremove the channel-repeat.
 7. The method of claim 1, additionallycomprising: checking every other timeslot in the scrambled sequence ofchannels for a channel-repeat; and replacing a channel that is repeatedin the scrambled sequence of channels with a pseudo random selectionfrom among channels that would not result in a further instance of twoadjacent timeslots using a same channel.
 8. The method of claim 1,additionally comprising: generating the scrambling sequence, for use ina first network, using a first primitive element and a Galois field; andgenerating a second scrambling sequence, for use in a second network,using a second primitive element and the Galois field.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, additionally comprising: applying a circular shift to thescrambling sequence to obtain a shifted scrambling sequence, wherein thescrambling sequence was used in a first network; and utilizing theshifted scrambling sequence in a second network.
 10. A node in anetwork, the node comprising: a processing unit; a hopping sequencegenerator, operable by the processing unit, to generate a hoppingsequence by operations comprising: generating a sequence of pseudorandom numbers to create a scrambling sequence; mapping an unscrambledsequence of channels, using the scrambling sequence, to create ascrambled sequence of channels; recognizing a channel-repeat; andchanging a channel used by a timeslot in the scrambled sequence ofchannels to remove the channel-repeat; and a radio to tune channelsaccording to the scrambled sequence of channels.
 11. The node as recitedin claim 10, wherein the hopping sequence generator is also configuredto perform operations comprising: calculating a timeslot and associatedchannel based on time information obtained from a clock of the node; andtuning the radio to the calculated channel.
 12. The node as recited inclaim 10, wherein the hopping sequence generator is also configured towhiten the scrambled sequence of channels by modifying the unscrambledsequence of channels at intervals.
 13. The node as recited in claim 10,wherein the scrambling sequence comprises a greater number of terms thanthere are available channels in the network.
 14. The node as recited inclaim 10, wherein: the scrambled sequence of channels indicates achannel used in each of a plurality of timeslots of uniform length; andthere is an integer number of the timeslots in one day.
 15. A method,comprising: generating a scrambling sequence using a sequence of pseudorandom numbers; mapping an unscrambled sequence of channels, using thescrambling sequence, to create a scrambled sequence of channels;detecting, in the scrambled sequence of channels, two adjacent timeslotsusing a same channel; replacing a channel used by one of the twoadjacent timeslots, so that the two adjacent timeslots do not use thesame channel, and so that a further instance of two adjacent timeslotsusing a same channel is not created by the replacing; and operating aradio according to the scrambled sequence of channels.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein: a first integer number of timeslots fills a 24-hourday, each timeslot being assigned a channel of the scrambled sequence ofchannels; and a second integer number of repetitions of the scramblingsequence is used to derive a channel for each timeslot of the firstinteger number of timeslots.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein thescrambled sequence of channels is repeated in each of a plurality ofdays.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein mapping the unscrambledsequence of channels to create the scrambled sequence of channelscomprises: selecting an element from the unscrambled sequence ofchannels indicated by a magnitude of an element of the scramblingsequence.
 19. The method of claim 15, additionally comprising:generating the scrambling sequence, for use in a first network, using afirst primitive element and a Galois field; and generating a secondscrambling sequence, for use in a second network, using a secondprimitive element and the Galois field.
 20. The method of claim 15,additionally comprising: applying a circular shift to the scramblingsequence to obtain a shifted scrambling sequence, wherein the scramblingsequence was used in a first network; and utilizing the shiftedscrambling sequence in a second network.